musk

Full Definition of MUSK

1

a: a substance with a penetrating persistent odor obtained from a sac beneath the abdominal skin of the male musk deer and used as a perfume fixative; also: a similar substance from another animal or a synthetic substitute

b: the odor of musk; also: an odor resembling musk especially in heaviness or persistence

Origin of MUSK

Middle English muske, from Middle French musc, from Late Latin muscus, from Late Greek moschos, from Middle Persian *mušk-, from Sanskrit muṣka testicle, from diminutive of mūṣ mouse; akin to Old English mūs mouse